GEORGE GASCOIGNE

47. A Cover's Lullaby

OING lullaby, as women do,

^ Wherewith they bring their babes to rest ;

And lullaby can I sing too,

As womanly as can the best. With lullaby they still the child; And if I be not much beguiled, Full many a wanton babe have I, Which must be still'd with lullaby.

First lullaby my youthful years,

It is now time to go to bed : For crooked age and hoary hairs

Have won the haven within my head. With lullaby, then, youth be still; With lullaby content thy will ; Since courage quails and comes behind, Go sleep, and so beguile thy mind!

Next lullaby my gazing eyes,

Which wonted were to glance apace;

For every glass may now suffice To show the furrows in thy face.

With lullaby then wink awhile;

With lullaby your looks beguile ;

Let no fair face, nor beauty bright,

Entice you eft with vain delight.

And lullaby my wanton will;

Let reason's rule now reign thy thought j Since all too late I find by skill

How dear I have thy fancies bought;

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